An Interview With: Kieran Boswell

I am a final year BA Photography student and lens based visual artist. I also work as a freelance photography assistant in a busy commercial studio.

How did you get into what you do?

I have always had a passion for photography; I studied it as an A-Level 12 years ago, and learnt about darkroom processing and film. I never carried my education on at the time and a different career path followed. It wasn’t until 2011 that I rediscovered a passion! I travelled the globe for a couple of years taking snapshots of everything and anything. Upon returning to the UK I enrolled on a degree in Photography, nearly three years later and I am now working in a busy studio and having work exhibited locally and internationally.

Where do you think your style comes from?

A multitude of different sources really. I keep a very open mind when researching for ideas, and will look to painting, visual installations, photography past and present - I would say my work takes most of its influence from my everyday surroundings. I like the idea of trying to elevate something that may seem boring and give it a new status, place it in a new context. This could be a still life piece or moving image, but by sticking with this way of working, I think that is where my style comes from.

Who are you favourite photographers and why?

My favourite photographer would Rinko Kawauchi. I was introduced to her photo books in my first year of University and have been blown away ever since! An absolute master in photographing everyday life, with the ability to spot things very few others might. So good! Other photographers such as Lucas Blalock for his still lives. He shoots 5x4 or 10x8 then converts back to digital and plays on the idea of image manipulation.

What are your plans for the next 12 months?

Eight weeks to go until University is finished, and after that I will be focusing on my studio assistants role - a role that has potential to progress with hard work and enthusiasm! I also have plans to produce a new body of work in late 2016; a trip driving around the West Coast of America will be a starting point for my ideas.

What’s your preferred equipment?

Anything that can generate an image!

What advice do you have for The Pupil Sphere community?

In this industry, you rarely get given anything. Work hard, show enthusiasm and most of all enjoy it. It will shine through!